Arsene Wenger admitted last week the Gunners are “following” the playmaker, who has attracted interest from across Europe with his displays for Lyon this season.

The Gunners boss has compared Grenier to Samir Nasri and the 22-year-old was called up to French senior team for the tour of South America on Monday – as cover for Manchester City player.

But Garde, who was one of Wenger’s first signings for Arsenal, is hoping his former boss does not get his man this summer.

“I already did all I could so that he didn’t join Nice last summer,” Garde said, referring to a switch Lyon’s board – but not the player – hoped to make for economic reasons.

“I know the talent and ambition of Clement.

“He’s a player who can still improve. I’ve told him that, at Lyon, there’s everything for him to be able to continue his progress, and then go to a club where he’ll establish himself as soon as he arrives. I think he’s still got a little way to go at Lyon.”

After the move to Nice fell through, an injury to Yoann Gourcuff presented Grenier with an opportunity which he seized with both hands and the France under-21 international made 33 appearances this term, scoring 7 goals and laying on nine assists.